NORAH'S certainty about when it all began was admittedly shaky. She had believed that having Ollie beside her would provide the strength to endure. However, as the next morning arrived and they Disapparated from Lyall Lupin's residence to her childhood home, where she had grown up and where she now retrieved her father's lifeless form, the moment of interment when she had to bid her final farewell and lay him to rest eternally, shattered her.
It was as though her heart had been wrenched from her chest. The weakening of her knees, the hyperventilation of her chest, and the tears streaming down her cheeks all seemed distant, numbed.
Only Ollie's hands, firm around her waist, anchored her. With her strength waning, even the act of standing or raising her wand eluded her—those tasks fell to Ollie, who employed his magic to lay her father to rest.
"Norah," she barely heard the wizard she loved speaking to her. Ollie's voice was gentle, but it carried an undercurrent of concern. "Lean on me, love. I'm here for you," he murmured, pressing his lips against her cheek for a gentle chaste kiss and rubbing small circles into her spine, doing whatever he could to give comfort.
Norah's lips quivered, her voice barely a whisper as she choked back a hoarse sob.
"I…I can't believe he's gone, Ollie. It's like…it's like a nightmare," she whispered.
He pulled her closer, his arms a steady embrace around her.
"I know, sweetheart. It's alright to feel this way. Let yourself feel it, don't try to hide it," he cautioned quietly.
"I can't…I can't even…even say goodbye properly," Norah managed, her words catching on a broken breath as her tears continued to fall despite her best efforts not to let them. She thought she could have filled a well full of the wretched little drops if she conjured a vial and gathered them into the small glass vial. Ollie's fingers tilted her chin gently, encouraging Norah to meet his eyes, which were now full to the brim with concern for Norah.
"You don't have to do it alone. We'll do it together. Lean on me now. I'm here."
She looked deep into Ollie's eyes, the love and support in the man's deep blue eyes helping to steady her racing heart. Slowly, she nodded, her grip on him tight.
"Okay." Her voice was a whisper. Ollie's presence was a lifeline as they stood there, him holding her steady while she grappled with the overwhelming weight of the loss of her father.
And when it came time to lower her father's body into the ground in the backyard of their home, it was still Ollie who used his magic, his voice a soft incantation that mingled with Norah's silent farewell.
As the earth settled over her father's resting place, Ollie held her close, letting her tears fall freely as he whispered, "He's at peace now, Norah. Let him go."
With a tight nod, her heart lodged in her throat, and her tears continuing to flow down her cheeks despite her efforts to hold them back, she managed a shaky smile.
"I need a moment alone, Ollie," she whispered, her voice quivering. "I know you care, and I appreciate it, but I have to bid my farewell. Can you please grant me some time?"
Her plea was soft and genuine, her eyes locked onto Ollie's, imploring for understanding. The strength and warmth emanating from the ex-Death Eater's deep blue eyes enveloped her like a comforting embrace.
These were emotions she thought were distant dreams, particularly after the tumultuous journey she'd undertaken as a werewolf, culminating in the life-altering accident.
The depth of his gaze worked like a balm, soothing the erratic rhythm of her heart. She clung to Ollie's hand with a mixture of desperation and trust, seeking the reassurance she so desperately needed.
Amidst a myriad of reasons that she adored this wizard – her wizard – one stood out: Ollie's profound understanding of her. He acknowledged her unspoken request with a nod, and his actions mirrored his comprehension.
Placing a chaste and tender kiss on her temple, he relinquished his grip on her hand. He turned, making his way toward the front of her family's house, affording her the space she needed at this moment.
With Ollie's form gradually disappearing towards the front of the house, a surge of gratitude swelled within Norah for the depth of their relationship. The bond they shared was akin to a finely woven tapestry, adorned with threads of understanding, love, and consideration.
As she watched him go, a whirlwind of emotions swirled within her—a sense of weighty grief mingled with the warmth of his affection and the assurance of Ollie Black's eventual return.
A steadying breath filled her lungs as she redirected her focus to the expanse of her family's backyard. Here, the memories of her father's joyous moments intertwined with the present, offering a bittersweet solace.
As solitude enveloped her, she inhaled shakily, seeking to calm her racing heart.
The crisp bite of cold air swept through, tousling her bangs and painting her cheeks with a rosy hue, prompting her to clutch her coat and scarf for added warmth.
Amidst the chill, she honed in on the backyard's unwavering presence, finding solace in its stability.
This phase of Norah's life was distinct, a departure from her past, yet the moment retained a stale quality, a bitter taste that lingered in her senses. She knew that regardless of her changing circumstances, this instant would forever remain tainted, a constant reminder of loss and sorrow. After several minutes had slipped away, Norah's awareness was jolted by an unexpected realization: she hadn't noticed the passage of time.
This revelation came as a surprise, and it occurred to her that she wasn't alone in her family's backyard.
A swift movement of black caught her peripheral vision, prompting her to turn her gaze in that direction.
A figure stood just a few feet away, his silhouette partially obscured. A brief flutter of hope raced through her as she thought it might be Ollie, but that hope was swiftly replaced by a chilling realization. As the figure slowly turned his head, revealing his profile and locking his gaze onto hers, a rush of dread washed over her.
His blue eyes, strikingly similar to Ollie's, held an expression that bore a venomous quality. In that disconcerting moment, Norah felt a sudden pallor consume her face, rendering her complexion as ghostly as her emotions.
The wizard's lips curved into a gentle smile as he observed the storm of emotions dancing across Norah's face.
Upon initial observation, she questioned whether the individual in front of her was an imposter of sorts—a botched concoction of Polyjuice Potion striving to replicate Ollie's likeness.
Yet, buried within, she held the certainty that this assumption was unfounded. Ollie's stature was more imposing, his build more robust than that of the sorcerer standing before her. This man possessed a nose slightly lengthier, his hair boasting a deep shade of brown, in contrast to Ollie's exquisite raven-black locks.
Strikingly familiar was how he carried himself, a familiarity that resisted simplistic elucidation.
Before she could delve further into her thoughts, the wizard's voice, tinged with mockery, sliced through the charged atmosphere. Her suspicions were confirmed by his words, which dripped with malicious amusement.
"Judging by the look on your face, I presume you were hoping for Ollie?" he grunted, his tone laced with a venom that sent a shiver cascading down Norah's spine.
Her heart raced as an intricate dance of fear and bewilderment consumed her. The man before her, his blue eyes eerily echoing Ollie's, seemed to revel in her discomfort. Gathering her courage, Norah managed to speak, her voice quivering at the edges with uncertainty and caution. "Who are you? And what do you want?"
The air around them grew heavier with each passing second, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife.
The corners of the wizard's mouth downturned, resembling a scowl, as a flicker of anger passed over his pale features. He paused, seemingly taking a moment to compose himself before addressing Norah. "It's quite surprising that my brother never showed you a picture of me. It's a pity that his lover remains unaware of his own brother's appearance, even a brother who was cast aside and left for dead years ago."
Norah's breath hitched as the name reverberated in her mind.
Dominic Black. Ollie's brother. A figure from his family enshrouded in secrecy, mentioned only once – that first night of their collaboration in the Forbidden Forest's cave, seeking refuge from the storm. Yet, as time passed, Dominic Black's presence cast a shadow over their conversations and was etched across Ollie's face, burdening the wizard with guilt since he was a mere six-year-old, believing he had caused his brother's demise.
Her thoughts raced, assembling the puzzle before her. The uncanny familiarity, the shared features, and the unsettling resemblance in those icy blue eyes – it all fell into place now. Dominic Black had somehow survived, emerging from the shadows to confront his brother, after years of letting Ollie believe him to be dead.
But why? For what purpose? Struggling to maintain her composure, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily, Norah's voice trembled as fresh tears welled up. She managed to stammer, "Y-you're... Dominic? Ollie's brother?"
The wizard inclined his head, his twisted satisfaction evident.
"I am," he confessed, a glint of amusement dancing in his eyes, mingled with something darker. "Yes, my dear sister-in-law, the one and only. Or... could it be that you're not...?"
Curiosity piqued, Dominic Black tilted his head, his gaze lingering on Norah's empty left ring finger – his mistaken assumption of her and Ollie's marriage causing her cheeks to flush with embarrassment.
The revelation hit Norah like a sudden storm, leaving her heart pounding and her mind spinning.
Dominic Black, Ollie's long-lost brother, back from the dead, stood before her with an air of intrigue and an unsettling mix of emotions playing across the older man's handsome features.
The tension between the wizard and the werewolf in the air was palpable, and she struggled to find her voice amidst the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions that engulfed her.
As Dominic Black's penetrating gaze bore into her very soul, Norah felt a surge of determination and a fierce protectiveness wash over her as the inner wolf within her came out. She wouldn't let herself be overwhelmed by this unexpected turn of events, and she would protect Ollie, as he protected her.
Gathering her courage, Norah straightened her posture and met the man's eyes with a newfound resolve.
"Why have you revealed yourself only now, after all this time?" she asked, her voice steadier than she felt. "Why confront Ollie now? What do you want from him?"
Dominic Black's entire countenance seemed to shift as a dark shadow passed over the wizard's face, a frown tugging at the corner of the handsome wizard's lips.
"My brother needs to face the consequences of his actions. Leaving me for dead, believing I was gone forever…it's a heavy burden for him to bear, even as a boy, don't you agree?"
Norah's jaw tightened as she absorbed his words. The complexity of the situation weighed heavily on her, and she couldn't help but feel torn. She had come to care deeply for Ollie, and to love him, and seeing him confronted by a past he had believed he had left behind was undoubtedly distressing.
But on the other hand, she couldn't ignore Dominic's pain and the years of anguish he must have endured.
"I won't deny the pain you've probably been through," Norah replied softly in a shaky voice, her voice tinged with empathy. "But is vengeance the answer? Can't there be a way to heal these wounds without causing more harm?"
Dominic's gaze hardened, his expression turning colder.
"You speak of healing as it's a simple choice, wolf," he retorted, his voice dripping with contempt. "Ollie's actions have haunted me for years, and I won't let him off the hook so easily!"
Norah gaped in disbelief at Dominic Black, hardly daring to believe his words. Her heart ached for both brothers, trapped in a web of past regrets and present animosity.
She knew she couldn't erase the pain that had festered for so long, but she held onto a glimmer of hope that understanding and forgiveness could eventually find their way into the brothers' tangled tale.
As the seconds ticked by, time seemed to grind to a complete halt, the weight of unresolved emotions pressing down on them both. Norah met Dominic's gaze, her eyes conveying a silent plea for reason to prevail through the anger she knew Dominic was harboring, for a path towards healing to be forged from the ashes of their history.
Just as the charged hush enveloped Norah and Dominic, seemingly stretching time, and just as Norah teetered on the edge of summoning Ollie with a cry and reaching for her wand at her hip to release a burst of crimson sparks, the ambiance within her father's backyard underwent another transformation.
This time, an icy and unsettling intensity settled in the air. Emerging from the shadows that bordered the property, a new figure made an entrance, his presence resonating with a perilous aura that sent shudders down her spine.
Her eyes flickered, adopting a shade of vivid yellow as they fell upon Antonin Dolohov once more.
She almost believed her mind was cruelly deceiving her as the wizard positioned himself next to Dominic, his grin replete with malevolence.
"Hello, Norah, my love. What an endearing family reunion we've chanced upon," Antonin purred softly, his voice oozing with wicked delight. "Brothers on the brink of reunion, all thanks to the charming little wolf, lovely Norah."
Just as the tension reached its zenith, a whirlwind of dread and confusion and concern swept over Norah as a familiar presence surged onto the scene. Ollie burst into her family's backyard, his eyes wide and wild as he took in the scene before him—his estranged brother, long believed to be dead at his loss of control when the Obscurus had bound itself to him, Antonin Dolohov, his nemesis and whom he still owed for hurting Norah twice, and Norah, caught in the throes of Antonin Dolohov's sinister confrontation.
Ollie looked as though he were about to be sick as he struggled to piece together the puzzle.
His shocked gaze locked onto Dominic, disbelief warring with recognition and shock etched onto his face.
"Dominic?" Ollie's voice trembled, a mixture of confusion and astonishment. "I—I don't…how?! How is this even possible?"
The air seemed to crackle with tension as the weight of the years of separation and uncertainty hung heavily in the atmosphere. Ollie's emotions churned within him, a tempest of unanswered questions, regrets, and disbelief.
Dominic's expression wavered, a complex series of emotions crossing the man's features.
His silence resonated with the weight of his unspoken history, the burden of his truth long kept hidden, though Ollie felt his temper swell and the words were out of his mouth before he could stop himself.
"All this time you'd been kept with the likes of Dolohov?" he snarled. "And you could not send a Patronus, a note, something?"
Dominic's eyes flickered with a mixture of sorrow and regret as he stepped forward, his gaze locked onto his brother's furious one.
"Ollie, it's not what you think," he began, his voice carrying a raw edge of emotion. "I didn't choose this path willingly. I was ordered to stay away from you, the Dark Lord thought if you knew, then you'd not be his to command. It's been a living nightmare, you've no idea what these last years were like," he growled through gritted teeth as he clenched his shaking fists.
Ollie's expression wavered, torn between anger and a sliver of understanding. The realization of how much Dominic had suffered, that his absence had been marked by pain rather than a willing betrayal, was like a punch to the gut, and more to the point, on the Dark Lord's orders.
Norah, who had been caught up in the whirlwind of emotions surrounding her and the man that she loved, found herself torn as well. She was furious with the Dark Lord and Antonin as well for their manipulations, but the revelation about Dominic only added another layer of complexity to the situation at hand.
She wanted to believe him, to see the truth in his eyes.
Dominic's voice grew steadier as he continued, desperation evident in his words. "Ollie, please. I know I can't make up for everything that's happened, but I want to come back into your life, despite the shadow of doubt that hovers over me. I want to be there for you again, for both of you. Just... give me a chance to explain."
Ollie's fury was still palpable, the ever-present Obscurus within him demanding a violent release. Yet, doubt had begun to creep in, acting as a temporary dam to the torrent of rage. He struggled to balance his seething anger with the memories of the deep bond he had shared with Dominic in their youth. The memories of their shared laughter, their unwavering support for each other, were like a flickering beacon amidst the darkness of his emotions.
The tension hung in the air like a storm about to break, a maelstrom of conflicting emotions swirling around the three of them. Norah, despite her inner turmoil, narrowed her eyes as she perceived a danger that Ollie seemed oblivious to. Her instincts screamed at her, warning of an impending threat. She watched in horror as Antonin's fingers curled around his wand and he aimed it squarely at Ollie's chest and his lips moved in a sinister incantation.
Suddenly, a surge of malevolent energy erupted from Antonin's wand, crackling through the air with deadly intent. Norah's instincts screamed at her to move, and without second thoughts, she bounded forward and pushed Ollie backward with all her might. The curse struck her with a sickening force, a searing pain radiating from her ribs.
She gasped, her hand instinctively flying to her side as she stumbled back, blood welling between her fingers.
"Norah!" Ollie's voice cracked, his shock momentarily overshadowing his anger as he saw Norah's wound. His fury ebbed, replaced by a visceral fear for her safety.
Dominic's face contorted with a mix of horror and guilt, realizing the unintended consequences of his request for a chance at redemption. He lunged forward, ready to protect Norah, but Antonin seized the opportunity, his sadistic grin returning.
Norah fought to remain upright, her vision swimming with tears, yet a surge of determination coursed through her veins. The pain in her ribs was excruciating, but she refused to succumb to weakness.
With shaky resolve, her hand nearly fumbled and dropped her wand as she pointed it at Antonin, conjuring a barrier of shimmering energy between them.
Antonin's curses struck the shield with a furious burst of light and sound, a furious blood yell leaving the Russian Death Eater's lips that were drowned out by the sound of the crackling magic sending showers of sparks in all directions. Norah's barrier held though she could feel its strength waning under the relentless assault.
Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat a painful reminder of her new injuries.
From somewhere, she could hear Ollie screaming her name, though his voice was faint, muffled, drowned out by the sound of her heart pounding loudly in her eardrums.
"Norah, hold on!" Ollie's voice cracked as he screamed her name, his desperation evident in every syllable.
The Obscurus raged within, clawing for control, though Ollie fought it as his mind was a tempest of emotions as he knew if he let it loose there was a chance he could accidentally kill Norah and Dominic (again) in the process of setting it free. Her determination and vulnerability triggered a fierce wave of protectiveness within him as he briefly recalled Auror Moody's words to him yesterday evening about maintaining his control.
He squeezed his eyes shut and held on, his love for Norah and the fragile remnants of his bond with Dominic acting as an anchor against the darkness.
"Dominic, help her! Norah needs us! Please!" Ollie roared, though his voice cracked and broke as he turned his frantic and pleading gaze towards his brother, his expression a desperate plea for unity amid the chaos that was unfolding.
Dominic, his face etched with desperation, took advantage of Norah's distraction to launch a counterattack against Antonin. Ollie Black's older brother's wand moved with precision, casting spells to disrupt Antonin's focus.
Antonin dodged and deflected, his malevolent glee quickly transformed into a snarl of frustration. The battle raged on, the simple backyard now transformed into a battleground of magic and dangerous emotions. The air crackled with energy, each spell and incantation leaving its mark on the surroundings. Norah's shield flickered, and with a final burst of effort, she channeled every ounce of magic into a retaliatory spell, sending it hurtling toward Antonin.
Caught off guard, Antonin's defenses faltered, and Norah's spell struck him squarely in the chest. He roared in pain as the magic lashed out, leaving him disoriented and vulnerable, and Ollie's resolve hardened.
With a primal roar that did not sound entirely human, he let loose the Obscurus within him, and a torrent of darkness surged forth. The Obscurus engulfed Antonin, its shadowy tendrils coiling around him, his screams of agony echoing through the tumultuous atmosphere.
And then, with a final burst of searing light, Antonin Dolohov was gone, consumed by the darkness he had once tried to wield. As the air seemed to settle and the storm of magic subsided, a heavy and uncomfortable silence descended upon the backyard. Norah's shield dissolved and she staggered, her strength fading.
Ollie's grip on the Obscurus wavered, the entity retreating with the departure of its target. He stared, wide-eyed and in disbelief, unable to believe what had just happened.
Dominic, his face etched with a mixture of relief and remorse, moved to support Norah.
She leaned against him, her breathing labored, and all the color drained from her face, making the shadows under her eyes darken. Ollie cringed, knowing the dark circles under her eyes would only grow worse as the next full moon appeared.
"I-is he…is he gone? I-is he dead?" she whispered, her voice tinged with both pain and disbelief as she flicked red and wet and wild eyes between the two brothers.
Ollie, his features still marred by anger and conflict, cautiously approached them, his gaze meeting Dominic's. The weight of their shared history hung heavy in the air.
"We've stopped Antonin," Ollie said, his voice rough and coarse. "But that doesn't erase everything. We still need to talk."
Dominic nodded, his blue eyes filled with a mixture of determination and regret. "I know. And I'm ready to explain everything. I'm sorry, Ollie. For all of it."
As the three of them knelt amidst the aftermath of the skirmish, wounds physical and emotional still raw and fresh, they knew the path ahead would not be easy, but at that moment, with the bonds of family that tied them together and a shared victory in subduing Antonin Dolohov, there was a glimmer of hope for healing and reconciliation.
With the chaos subsiding, the air momentarily held a semblance of peace, shattered only by the rapid approach of danger as the skies above their heads darkened.
They turned as an ear-shattering roar pierced the air. Antonin, the Death Eater's form now wreathed in a swirl of malevolent magic, lunged forward with a speed that caught them all off guard.
In a split second, he reached Norah, his hand gripping her bleeding and wounded side with a vice-like grip.
Norah's anguished cry filled the air as Antonin's fingers ruthlessly probed the exposed wound in her ribs, a fresh surge of torment coursing through her as blood started to trickle down her sides.
Dominic's face contorted with a mixture of fury and desperation, his resolve culminating in a furious shout as he hurled himself at Antonin, his wand poised for a retaliatory strike.
Yet, Antonin's reflexes proved superior; a cruel smile played upon the Russian's lips as he swiftly cast a spell, causing Dominic to stagger back, a deep gash now marking his right cheek, blood mingling with his rage.
"Traitor!" Antonin spat, his heavily accentuated voice dripping with venom as he held Norah captive and held the tip of his wand pressed against her throat. "You dare stand against me—against the Dark Lord, Black, after all that we've given you?" he shouted hoarsely.
Dominic's breaths came in ragged, uneven bursts as he struggled to find his footing, his gaze locked onto Norah's. Within him churned a tempest of emotions—a maelstrom of anger and bitterness that had simmered for years towards his younger brother, mingled with an urgent need to shield the werewolf, whom his brother held deep affections for. This internal clash was further complicated by his longing for redemption.
Ollie's anger surged anew, his wounds momentarily eclipsed by Antonin's audacious recklessness. Squaring his shoulders, wand poised for action, he readied himself to plunge back into the fray, determined to unleash the Obscurial's might once again now that he sensed a modicum of control returning over his tumultuous feelings. However, just as he was about to make his move, a surge of malevolent magic engulfed both Antonin and Norah.
The world whirled in disarray, and when the disorienting sensation eventually ebbed, they had vanished, leaving only the faint echo of Norah's anguished cry lingering in the air, a sound that was swiftly overwhelmed by Ollie's primal scream of frustration. Ollie's scream reverberated through the air, a raw expression of his frustration and powerlessness in the face of Antonin's sudden disappearance with Norah.
The forest that bordered Norah's father's property seemed to shiver in response, leaves rustling as if in sympathy, carrying the weight of the chaotic events that had just unfolded.
Ollie's anger had transformed into a potent blend of fear and guilt, his grasp on the Obscurus' power threatening to slip from his control.
"Ol, for the love of all that's sane, don't do something reckless! You can barely even stand!" Dominic's voice cut through the tumultuous air, competing with Ollie's anguished cries. His younger brother turned toward him, eyes once blue now flickering with unsettling darkness as if the looming specter of the Obscurus was ready to resurface.
"I can't just stand by and watch!" Ollie's voice boomed with intensity. "We can't let the fucking bastard get away with this! Norah... I can't bear the thought of something happening to her, Dominic! And you!" His words were a fierce accusation, laden with a heavy burden of blame. "This is all because of you! You led Antonin straight to us!"
Dominic's expression sagged, burdened by the weight of his past actions. He stared at his brother, his shoulders slumping under the weight of his sins.
"I never imagined he would stoop this low!" Dominic responded, his tone a mixture of anger and regret. His arm gestured wildly as he continued, "I didn't choose this path, Ollie." His voice lowered, laced with a poignant sense of remorse. "But now, I'll do whatever it takes to make it right."
Ollie's knuckles tightened, his inner turmoil etched across his visage. He yearned to trust Dominic, to cling to the possibility of redemption, yet his heart still bled from the scars of betrayal and pain accumulated over the years.
"Save your breath, Dom, I don't want to hear your lies," Ollie's voice seethed, his wavering emotions now supplanted by resolute determination. The darkness clawed its way back, his eyes transitioning into a deep, unsettling black. "Your help won't change a thing, won't mend what's been broken. There's nothing you can do to help me or Norah. If you're smart, and you always were smarter than me, just stay away," he warned, a dangerous edge slicing through his words. He shut his eyes tightly, summoning every facet of his identity—the ex-Death Eater, now turned Dumbledore's man, the embodiment of the Obscurus' curse—all merged into one complex existence. It was a struggle to maintain control, to wrest power from the malevolent entity that had bound itself to him.
In a transformation like none before, he found himself in charge, the Obscurus' strength coursing through him. It fed on the inferno of rage and resentment he held towards Antonin Dolohov, the thief of all he cherished. Ollie's presence radiated menace, an unsettling calm underlying the turmoil within him.
It was a moment of rare mastery, a sliver of control carved from the abyss that had long tormented him, a chance to harness the Obscurus' might for his purposes.
With a deep, ragged breath, Ollie's body quivered as the Obscurus's power coursed through him.
The once-familiar sensation of being overtaken by the dark force now felt strangely empowering, even as it fed on his anger and hatred. He opened his eyes, revealing a darkness that seemed to swallow his irises whole.
A chilling grin stretched across Ollie's lips as he tilted his head back, arms outstretched, embracing the swirling tempest of magic that enveloped him. In a heartbeat, he was lifted from the ground, his body defying gravity as he soared into the sky, a silhouette against the darkening skies as thunder rolled in the distance behind him. Dominic's heart sank as he watched his brother ascend into the heavens, the sense of defeat settling heavily upon him.
"Ollie, no!" he shouted, his voice laced with desperation, but the wind carried his plea away, unanswered, leaving his brother unable to call for Ollie in defeat. Dominic's fists trembled at his sides as he fought against the rising tide of despair. With a determined exhale, he pushed himself to his feet, his mind racing with the urgency of the situation.
He couldn't give up, not now. Ollie's safety depended on it. Gritting his teeth, Dominic drew his wand and focused his thoughts on a single destination: Hogwarts.
With a swift twist and flick of his wrist, he Disapparated, leaving behind the desolate clearing in pursuit of help.